Dear Middle School Families,

This week, the class delved further into Geometry. Main Lesson is a mixture of a review of math skill work, an introduction of new material, and time for discovery and creation, all reflected on the students' Main Lesson pages. Geometry, as with many math skills, follows the rhythm of an introduction the first year, review and skill building the second year, and mastery the third year. Within this three year rhythm, the material presents as introductory information for the Sixth Graders and for the Seventh Graders, as review and then an expansion and deepening of their understanding. The photographs from this week’s Main Lesson present a wonderful example of this - both illustrations are built on a six-division of the circle. The flower petal shape is the introductory form, then the students move on to more challenging constructions with a more complex pattern such as the nesting hexagrams. All students are asked to focus on the accuracy of their designs, and proper handling and usage of geometric tools.

As part of our Environmental Education this year, our class will be maintaining two areas on campus. The first is to maintain the area around Liza’s Loom and the pond nearby. Secondly,our class has partnered with the Fourth and Fifth Grade class to complete a year-long study of the creek. This will include the creekside flora and fauna, as well as animals living in and around the creek. Additionally, our class will utilize the Adopt-a-Stream program and learn how to test our creek water, allowing an even more in depth look at the complex biology of a creek.

Finally, we celebrated Nico and Brendan’s summer birthdays on Monday. We had a lovely banquet lunch together. Happy Birthday Brendan and Nico!

Announcements and Reminders for Sixth & Seventh Grade:

Depending on the weather, we will visit the creek on either Thursday OR Friday. Please make sure that your student is prepared for the creek both days.

Thank you for the honor of teaching your children,

Ki Lesley